Labor and Public Employees Committee
JOINT FAVORABLE REPORT
Bill No.: SB-1002
AN ACT CONCERNING LABOR ISSUES RELATED TO COVID-19, PERSONAL
Title: PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT AND OTHER STAFFING MATTERS.
Vote Date: 3/25/2021
Vote Action: Joint Favorable Substitute
PH Date: 3/11/2021
File No.: 464
Disclaimer: The following JOINT FAVORABLE Report is prepared for the benefit of the
members of the General Assembly, solely for purposes of information, summarization and
explanation and does not represent the intent of the General Assembly or either chamber
thereof for any purpose.
SPONSORS OF BILL:
Labor and Public Employees Committee
REASONS FOR BILL:
S.B. 1002 seeks to address employee's needs in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic
including personal protective equipment and staffing and other labor issues. The bill also
expands eligibility, benefits, and protections for the workers' compensation fund.
RESPONSE FROM ADMINISTRATION/AGENCY:
KURT WESTBY, COMMISSIONER, DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Commissioner Westby submitted written testimony, on behalf of the Department of Labor, in
support of the bill. The Department of Labor is supportive of certain conceptions with the
Departments jurisdiction of the proposed bill to provide relief to Connecticut employees and
employers in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Department of Labor stated that they
are with the committee to discuss the issues raised within the bills and to help draft language
to move the bill forward.
KEVIN DILLON, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, CONNECTICUT AIRPORT AUTHORITY
Mr. Dillion submitted written testimony in opposition to Section 30 of this bill. Their testimony
stated that the CAA opposes the additional requirements for public works project contracts
valued at ten million dollars or more. They also oppose any provisions that would further limit
its flexibility to enter into contracts with entities it deems qualified and appropriate. They
urged the committee to oppose these provisions at a time of immense hardship for the
aviation industry. They stressed that these provisions could limit their ability to recover and
maintain competitiveness with other regional airports.
NATURE AND SOURCES OF SUPPORT:
KIM ACKERMAN, DIRECT SUPPORT, WHOLE LIFE
Ms. Ackerman submitted both written and public hearing testimony in support of this bill. In
her testimony, she detailed her work experience as a healthcare worker during the COVID-19
pandemic, including not receiving adequate personal protective equipment and her
workplaces minimal sick leave policy. She urged for the bill to be passed.
STEPHEN ANDERSON, PRESIDENT, CSEA SEIU LOCAL 2001
Mr. Anderson submitted written testimony in support of this bill. He believes that this bill will
begin to address the challenges faced by workers when it comes to PPE, providing paid sick
leave, and increasing benefits when a job might result in a workers death. Mr. Anderson
views the bill as a necessary response to the pandemic and the right thing to do for the
working people of Connecticut.
DR. MICHAEL BALDWIN, COUNCILMEMBER, UCHC-AAUP EXECUTIVE COUNCIL
Dr. Baldwin submitted both written and public hearing testimony in support of this bill. He
relayed his experience working as a physician during COVID-19, which included living apart
from his children for three months in the early days of the pandemic. For him, to truly
recognize the sacrifices of frontline workers means ensuring that they have PPE, workers'
compensation, and support for their families if they perish.
JODY BARR, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, COUNCIL 4 AFSCME
Ms. Barr submitted written testimony in support of the bill. She is the Executive Director of
Council 4 American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME). Ms.
Barr mentioned that more than 25% of members have tested positive for the COVID-19 virus.
She highlighted her correction employee members' experiences, who, despite working in
perhaps the most COVID-19 contaminated and dangerous workplace, showed up and did
their jobs. Ms. Barr stressed that AFSCME has members from many different workplaces
who have contracted COVID-19 on the job, with some, unfortunately, infecting family
members at home. She strongly urged for the bill to be passed.
JAMARAH BARNABY-ANDERSON, COOK ASSISTANT, DEPARTMENT OF VETERAN
AFFAIRS
Ms. Barnaby submitted written testimony in support of this bill. In particular, her comments
focused on Sections 12-14 of the bill. She emphasized her personal experience working in
unpredictable and dangerous conditions while having chronic asthma. In Ms. Barnaby-
Anderson's testimony, she noted that she ended up testing positive for COVID-19. She urged
the committee to consider her testimony when evaluating the importance of hazard pay to
employees.
JOHN BRADY, VICE PRESIDENT, AFT CONNECTICUT
Mr. Brady submitted both written and public hearing testimony in support of this bill. In his
testimony, he explained his support for the COVID-19 workers compensation presumption,
PTSI for healthcare workers, PPE stockpile/data transparency, staffing transparency in
hospitals, sick time, and hazard pay.
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KYLE BRENNAN, HVAC WORKING SUPERVISOR
Mr. Brennan submitted written testimony in support of this bill. In his testimony he specifically
focused on Sections 12-14 in the bill by detailing his experience as an essential worker. Mr.
Brennan believes that people who have worked throughout the pandemic should be
compensated.
CHRISTINA BRIGGS, ASSISTANT PROGRAM COORDINATOR, JOURNEY FOUND
Ms. Briggs submitted both written and public hearing testimony in support of this bill. Ms.
Briggs detailed her experience working at a group home, including the lack of PPE and
quarantining for Christmas to ensure her family was safe. She noted that the staff put their
lives at risk and would have benefited significantly from hero pay. Due to the COVID-19
pandemic, Ms. Briggs' husband lost his job. She stated that this bill would be her road to
recovery.
DESHAWN BROWNELL, SECURITY OFFICER, CONNECTICUT ADULT PROBATION
OFFICE
Mr. Brownell submitted written testimony in support of this bill. He detailed his workplace
experience as an essential worker. Mr. Brownell expressed his anxiety about getting
COVID19 because of his high blood pressure and his epilepsy. He believes that all
mandatory workers deserve hazard pay and deserve compensation when they have to
quarantine without using personal time off.
KIM BURNS, REGISTERED NURSE
Ms. Burns submitted both written and public hearing testimony in support of this bill. She
wrote in support of the hero pay provision in the bill. Ms. Burns views hero pay as
acknowledging the risk she and her colleagues took throughout the pandemic.
ERIC CANADA, MENTAL HEALTH ASSISTANT, DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH
AND ADDICTION SERVICES
Mr. Canada submitted written testimony in support of this bill. In particular, he voiced support
for the hero pay provision in the bill. Mr. Canada details what it was like to work as a frontline
worker in his workplace. There was a lack of PPE, which was a critical issue because there
were patients under his care with COVID-19. Mr. Canada contracted COVID-19 and passed it
on to his wife, but thankfully not his son, who was undergoing chemotherapy at the time. He
also detailed how an administrative mistake caused him to have to fight for time off. Mr.
Canada asked the legislature to have compassion for staff that takes care of these patients,
who do the hard work knowing they are putting themselves in danger.
CAMERON CHAMPLIN, PLUMBERS AND PIPEFITTERS LOCAL UNION 777
Mr. Champlin submitted both written and public hearing testimony in support of this bill. He
noted that this bill addresses the issue that put frontline workers at risk, namely the lack of
PPE. Mr. Champlin believes that these inadequacies should not happen in the future. He also
testified in support of workers collecting the appropriate amount of compensation.
CANDICE CARLSON, CASEWORKER, DEPARTMENT OF DEVELOPMENTAL SERVICES
Ms. Carlson submitted both written and public hearing testimony in support of this bill. She
wrote in support of the hero pay provision within the bill. She views the hero pay
compensation provision as recognition for the sacrifices and extraordinary everyday work by
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frontline employees.
JOSEPH CHERRY, COOK, DEPARTMENT OF VETERAN AFFAIRS
Mr. Cherry submitted written testimony in support of the bill. Mr. Cherry has been employed
at the Department of Veteran Affairs for 33 years. He claimed that every day, when he
reported to work, he feared being the next to catch the virus. As a cook, his job requires him
to feed the residents and take care of them, as they are dependent on the workers. Mr.
Cherry urged the committee to support the bill.
MELISSA CHIN-HING, PROBATION OFFICER, CONNECTICUT COURT SUPPORT
SERVICES OFFICE OF ADULT PROBATION
Ms. Chin-Hing submitted written testimony in support of the bill. She noted that probation
officers have mandatory, face-to-face contact through office visits, warrant service,
transports, searches, and mandatory home visits. Ms. Chin-Hing stated that a number of
people that were either in her office building or whom she was in close proximity to at the
courthouse that she works out of, tested positive. She urged the committee to support this
bill.
CARL CHISEM, PRESIDENT, CONNECTICUT EMPLOYEES UNION INDEPENDENT, SEIU
LOCAL 511
Mr. Chisem submitted both written and public hearing testimony in support of this bill. They
view this bill and related bills as a first necessary step in rectifying the unequal and disparate
treatment that essential workers have long endured. They believe that this bill's passage will
go a long way in restoring the dignity essential workers deserve.
KYRA CLARK, DENTAL ASSISTANT, UCONN HEALTH DENTAL CENTER
Ms. Clark submitted written testimony in support of this bill. She noted that according to the
CDC, working in dental care settings constitutes a high risk for contracting COVID-19. Ms.
Clark explains how stressful it for employees who worry about possible exposure at work,
especially those with underlying conditions. She expressed her hope that dental assistants
working at UConn Health are considered essential workers regarding hero pay.
AIDA COLON, HOME CARE CONSUMER, BRIDGEPORT, CT
Ms. Colon submitted written testimony in support of this bill. A home care consumer, she
wrote this testimony on behalf of their two personal care assistants, Linda and Esther.
Because of an injury, Ms. Colon needs help with daily tasks such as bathing, cooking,
dressing, laundry, and other housework. The PCAs also take her to the grocery store, church,
and medical appointments. Ms. Colon believes that PCAs need to be treated with respect
and given PPE, hazard pay, and the sick leave they deserve.
NATASHA CRUZ, PERSONAL CARE ATTENDANT, BRIDGEPORT, CT
Ms. Cruz submitted both written and public hearing testimony in support of this bill. She
detailed what her experience has been as a frontline worker and a single parent with two
daughters. Ms. Cruz recounted how a co-worker was forced to come back to work even
though they were still sick because they could not take off more than a couple of days. She
described how even though her customer was ill with COVID-19, she continued providing
care despite not having proper personal protective equipment, which caused her to worry
about contracting and passing COVID-19 to her daughters. She expressed her belief that she
deserves the reassurance of knowing she doesn't have to choose between her livelihood and
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her family's health.
DALE CUNNINGHAM, STAFF NURSE, LAWRENCE & MEMORIAL HOSPITAL
PRESIDENT, AFT LOCAL 5049
Mr. Cunningham submitted written testimony in support of this bill. In his testimony, he
described what it was like as a frontline worker, including experiencing a lack of personal
protective equipment. He noted that many of his union members and other frontline
healthcare workers had faced obstacles and denials of their workers' compensation claims.
He also wrote about Section 32 and the importance of proper staffing levels and transparency
infections were put in jeopardy with the many changes in CDC guidelines. Cunningham
writes that many of our members and other frontline healthcare workers claimed workers
compensation, encountered many obstacles and denial. Proper instruction and education
were not given by employers workers compensation representatives. In fact, many were
made to feel they could not have gotten COVID-19 at work. The union was not provided by
his employer with a list of our members out sick over 3 days as stated in their Collective
Bargaining Agreement. As of right now, Cunningham says that they are still trying to attain all
the information so that they can assist their members with proper documentation.
JORDAN DEANGELO, PERSONAL CARE ATTENDANT, WINSTEAD,CT
Mr. Deangelo submitted both written and public hearing testimony in support of this bill. They
detailed their experience as a personal care attendant and stressed the importance of their
work. Their testimony describes how difficult it was for PCAs to get their hands on personal
protective equipment. They also noted that PCAs do not receive health insurance or paid sick
leave through their jobs, unlike other healthcare professions. They urged support of this bill
so that PCAs, like themselves, receive sick leave, hazard pay, and the benefits they deserve.
KAREN DROZ, HOME VISITOR, TEAM INC.
Ms. Droz submitted both written and public hearing testimony in support of this bill. In her
testimony, she detailed her experience as a frontline worker. During a home visit, she was
unfortunately exposed to COVID-19 and had to quarantine for 14 days. Fortunately, she was
paid and did not have to use her personal time off. However, she knows that other people
have had to quarantine more than once and use personal time off. She urged the bill's
passage so that workers get hazard pay and support from their employer should they need to
quarantine or fall ill.
DANIELLE ELDREDGE, CUSTODIAN, DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
Ms. Eldredge submitted written testimony in support of the bill. Ms. Eldredge notes that being
an essential employee during the COVID-19 pandemic has been taxing and stressful.
Despite following proper procedures, cases have broken out in the facility she works in,
putting both her health and the health of her loved ones at risk. Ms. Eldredge has two
teenage boys and has decided to keep them strictly online for school due to the fact that she
is nervous about contracting the virus, and subsequently, passing it along to them and to
other members of her community. She has worked overtime numerous times, disinfecting the
healthcare facility, in order to keep patients and the staff safe. Ms. Eldredge has taken on
additional job duties, such as cleaning the rooms of COVID positive patients. She urges the
committee to support the bill, which includes hazard pay.
Page 5 of 17 SB-1002
MANUEL ESTRADA, MAINTENANCE WORKER, STATE CAPITOL BUILDING
Mr. Estrada submitted both written and public hearing testimony in support of this bill. In his
testimony, he noted that while the building is empty of legislators and staff, about 40
maintenance workers and mechanics still come in every day. Mr. Estrada detailed what his
job entails as a frontline worker. He noted that, fortunately, his direct employer, SMG,
provides special COVID-19 pay for two weeks if workers have to quarantine. However, it
takes longer than two weeks to feel better, which was the case for one of Mr. Estradas
coworkers, who had to use a week of his vacation time to recover. Tragically, some family
Page 7 of 18 HB-6595 members of these co-workers contracted COVID-19, and sadly one
family member has been in an induced coma for months. He asked the committee to pass
the bill, which will allow them to receive support if they become ill and provide them with
hazard pay.
JAMES EVANS, MATERIAL STORAGE SUPERVISOR, SOUTHBURY TRAINING
SCHOOL
Mr. Evans provided both written and public hearing testimony in support of this bill. He
testified about his experience as a frontline worker. Like many, as a high-risk individual and
having a compromised daughter, he was very concerned about contracting COVID-19 and
passing it onto his family. He described how he and his co-workers keep going to work
despite 45 percent of their population testing positive and the four staff deaths. He urged
support of the bill, which includes hazard pay and updating the definition of hazard pay.
DENISE FALZONE, LEAD TEACHER, TEAM INC. EARLY EDUCATION PROGRAM
Ms. Falzone provided both written and public hearing testimony in support of this bill. In her
testimony, she detailed what it is like to be a frontline worker in education. Ms. Falzone
experienced COVID-19 firsthand, as did her household family members, during which she
was paid and did not have to use personal time off. However, she knows of others who have
had to use personal time off because they have had to quarantine multiple times. Ms.
Falzone notes that even though teachers are essential, her hazard pay and COVID-19
compensation for her work at the hospital turned out to be a rare exception. She urged the
committee to support this bill.
PAOLA FONSECA, DINING ROOM SUPERVISOR, DEPARTMENT OF VETERAN
AFFAIRS
Ms. Fonseca submitted written testimony in support of the bill. Ms. Fonseca testified that her
job requires close contact with various kinds of people and didn't close during the pandemic.
PPE was limited, and she delivered food to residents who were COVID positive. She
explained that it has been a terrifying experience for her because of her health risk factors
and the risk of spreading the virus to her elderly mother. Ms. Fonseca felt a great deal of
anxiety and fear for her life and for the lives of her loved ones. She urged the committee to
support the bill.
NAJHAI GOMES-WALTON, STOREKEEPER ASSISTANT, DEPARTMENT OF VETERAN
AFFAIRS
Ms. Gonzalez provided written testimony in support of this bill. She details her experience as
a frontline worker at a group home. The group home suffered th